Jake Owen shared his elation over his seventh No. 1 hit "I Was Jack (You Were Diane)" with a heartwarming Instagram message on Sunday (July 29). He sent it out to not only his fans, but to the man who ultimately gave him his blessing to release the song that would become Owen’s fastest rising single of his career.

“Thank you @johnmellencamp for trusting us and allowing us to pay our respects to you and everything you’ve done to pave the way for so many of us in the music industry,” Owen writes, alongside a shot of himself playing on stage. “I feel like I’m just getting started. I have a lot more left in my tank. Thanks to every one of you who’ve reached out to me and said congratulations. What a ride it’s been.”

Indeed, it’s been quite a ride for the Florida native, who actually released his first album 12 years ago this week. “I had no idea what was in store for me, but I was excited to just hop on this train of 'life' and see where it led me,” Owen continues in an Instagram post. "Of course I had dreams, goals, aspirations ... but a man can only do so much on his own."

Owen goes on to thank a long list of people who have helped him reach this point in his career — from his road team, to the fans, to his record label who ultimately took a chance on the country star back in November of 2017.

From here, Owen will continue his Life’s Whatcha Make It Tour through September, and soon will announce a brand-new headlining tour for the fall.